The X Factor đź’Ş- Action Alert, May 11, 2026
- beachesactivistmov
- 18 hours ago
- 4 min read
"...Our giving up is the one thing that can enable Republicans to win. Not the gerrymandering. Not ICE at the polls. Not Trump threatening to federalize the elections. Yes, all of that can make our fight harder. But we are the X factor, the one thing they can’t overcome if we decide not to be overcome."
No Gloom: We Can Win This!
There was lots of handwringing by pundits and pols last week after the VA court struck down a DEM-friendly redistricting plan --- overwhelmingly approved by voters --- and several Southern states moved quickly to eliminate majority Black congressional districts following the U.S. Supreme Court decision gutting the Voting Rights Act. Coupled with the defeat of GOP state legislators who refused Trump's demands to gerrymander districts in Indiana even further, hopes of a slam-dunk midterm congressional victory began to fade. News flash! The GOP can try to cheat their way to winning in November, but we will win the way we always have --- by rolling up our sleeves and doing the work. That means reaching voters who were betrayed by Trump, voters who sat out the last election, and the DEM faithful who are worn down by the near constant assaults on their voting rights and a host of other essential governing norms. Special elections --- even in reliably red states like Florida --- have demonstrated the vulnerability of the GOP in the face of an illegal and unpopular war; rising gas, housing, insurance, and food costs; cuts in health care and education funding; cruel immigration policies, and attacks on our basic rights and freedoms. There are 177 days until the midterm election. We are the X factor--- let's get to work!
Volunteer! Knock on doors, text, phone, and get out the vote. Qualifying by petition ends today for county, multi-county, and statewide offices (final qualifying period is June 8-12th) --- find a candidate you believe in and volunteer. Want to help turn Duval blue? Volunteer here.Â
Register voters. BAM is partnering with People Power for Florida to register voters. We need more people trained in the registration process. Email us if you are interested in helping!
Engage in voter outreach & education. The Northside Coalition, Harriet Tubman Freedom Fighters, Florida Rising, and Black Voters Matter are among the organizations organizing voter engagement and outreach in Black and Brown communities locally. Email us for a local contact to get involved.
Thank the SOE! Duval Supervisor of Elections Jerry Holland last week responded to appeals from members of the Duval Voting Rights Coalition and readjusted early voting dates to allow for four full days of weekend voting in the upcoming August 8th primary. The decision restores the final Sunday, traditionally a popular day for Black voters to go to the polls. Thank him for being responsive to coalition concerns. Tell him you also appreciate the addition of several new early voting sites, including one at the Beach --- the Jacksonville Beach Community Center, 2508 S. Beach Parkway.  Reach him by email (jholland@coj.net) or cell - 904-318-6877 (he answers!).
Advocate for and protect voting rights. Demand that Congress address partisan gerrymandering and restore and update the full protections of the landmark Voting Rights Act by passing the Freedom to Vote Act and John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. Email FL Sens. Rick Scott and Ashley Moody, and Rep. John Rutherford, or reach them through the Capitol switchboard (202.224.3121) and tell them you are outraged by efforts to disenfranchise voters of color and expect them to support these bills.
Nate Monroe Joins Us Thursday for
May BAM Meeting!
How we get information has changed dramatically in the last decade, with local news especially challenged. Almost 40% of local newspapers have vanished since 2005, creating news deserts throughout the country.  This decline has contributed to a drop in civic engagement, increased polarization, a lack of government accountability, and a rise in misinformation and economic inequality. Find out how state and local news organizations are adapting to safeguard their important role in supporting an informed citizenry from local journalist Nate Monroe at the BAM meeting, Thursday, May 14th!
More To Do This Week
Oppose ICE & CBP Reconciliation Funding Bill. Republicans continue to push a reconciliation package to secure over $70 billion for three years of additional ICE/CBP funding. The reconciliation process allows the passage of bills with a simple majority to secure more funding for
ICE and CBP, as well as the illegal war in Iran. If passed, these new expenditures will have to be offset by equivalent budget cuts, likely impacting essential social safety net programs. So our fight for reasonable reforms of ICE continues. Demand that FL Sens. Rick Scott and Ashley Moody, and Rep. John Rutherford oppose a budget reconciliation bill that funds ICE and Border Patrol without any reforms or accountability. And no supplemental funding for the Iran war! 5 Calls has a great script!
No White House Ballroom. The GOP's reconciliation bill also includes $1 billion for "security" related features of Trump's audacious vanity ballroom project. Meanwhile, Congress is cutting food stamps, education, and health care for Americans. Reach out to Scott, Moody, and Rutherford and tell them what you think. 5 Calls makes it easy.
It's a Sign! Beaches Library Saturday Protest
The horns are getting louder, and the thumbs up definitely outnumber the middle fingers! Come out and join us next Saturday at 10 a.m. in front of the Beaches Library. Â It's a great way to let our neighbors -- who may finally be having doubts about the current administration's policies --Â know they are not alone. Thanks to the Neptune Beach Coalition for organizing!
RAISE HOTLINE: 1-888-600-5762
Have you recently seen, interacted with, been detained, or know someone impacted by ICE? Call the hotline. Alert local Legal Observers and connect detainees with assistance and resources. Email us to learn more about how you can help!
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